Homicide and Hearts: Valentine's Day

By Madelyn Scott

When a crotchety old veterinarian is killed, prime suspects Lucy and her new friend Millie become embroiled in a puzzling murder investigation.

Considering the victim’s personality, almost anyone in town with a pet could be considered a suspect, not to mention the slew of disgruntled employees. But unfortunately, Lucy keeps running into dead ends.

Her dog Ollie is determined to help until a serious stomachache leaves Lucy wondering what in the world he could have eaten now? That’s a mystery that can only be solved by someone whose mysterious good looks have the townspeople of Shongoloo’s tongues wagging—the handsome new vet. But could his appearance be more than just a coincidence?

Follow Lucy as her search for clues leads her down an unexpected path, and she discovers that sometimes when the past and the present collide, the result can be deadly.

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Pick up your copy of this fun cozy mystery today. Filled with interesting characters, adorable dogs, and unexpected adventures, it’s sure to please animal-loving readers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bad Baby Press
• Release date: Feb 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9781958649022

Madelyn Scott

Madelyn is a true crime aficionado who brings her passion for puzzles and detective work to her stories. But don't let her serious side fool you - she's also got a great sense of humor, and she loves Mexican food and playing tennis. She and her trio of pups live in a lazy Southern town where the trees drip Spanish moss and people still take afternoon naps. And if you ever see her out and about you might have to tap her on the shoulder to get her attention because she's usually got her earbuds in, listening to an audiobook!

Book preview

Chapter 1

The first time I heard Dr. Schuster’s name, it was because my little old lady neighbor, Ms. Millie Flournoy, wanted to murder him.

But that was the second time I met Millie. The first time, I was wearing hot pink, satin PJs, an avocado face mask, and fluffy hedgehog slippers.

Now, normally, I would never step foot outside my home wearing such an atrocious outfit, much less admit to owning the items. Plus, I was still getting used to administering an at-home beauty regimen rather than visiting the spa once a week.

But Aunt Eliza’s dreadful Boston terrier, Ollie, wasn’t in the backyard when I called him in for the night. He wasn’t on the couch where Darla said she left him, and I couldn’t find the little devil anywhere. Unfortunately, I inherited my Aunt’s dog, her house, and the dog grooming business attached to it. I’d wanted nothing more than to get back to my life in New York where I was a senior editor at a true crime magazine. But in this internet age, the need for full-time staffers like me dried up, and I suddenly found the only work left for me was as a freelance writer back in Shongoloo, Lousiana. Since I didn’t intend to stay here any longer than I had to, I put the place for sale, but so far there hadn’t been any takers.

Anyway, Ollie wasn’t at the Dip & Clip across the breezeway. He wasn’t under any beds in the house, and I was starting to freak out a little.

I had half a mind to remove my avocado mask, go to bed, and let fortune have its way with the errant Ollie, since he was the brat who’d dug his way under the fence and gone goodness knows where. After all, he’s caused me plenty of grief since I’ve been back in my hometown. He made messes. Escaped and caused chaos in the pet salon. Swiped food off the end table when I turned my back to grab the remote.

And I hadn’t really forgiven him yet for biting me the first time we ever met, when he was a puppy.

Yes, I absolutely should have gone to bed and hoped it was the last I saw of Ollie’s huge ears and jaunty screw tail.

But a nagging guilt pushed me out the door and down the street to search. I hissed his name as I tried to stay in the shadows so the neighbors wouldn’t spot me. Maybe it was the thought of Darla chewing me out in the morning when I told her he was gone. Perhaps I didn’t want Aunt Eliza’s ghost haunting me because I let her dog wander off.

It was definitely not because I had many positive feelings toward the little bugger. He was a pest of the highest order.

I stumbled on an uneven bit of sidewalk and bit back a swear word. My eyes stung as avocado mask dripped into them. Though the sun had gone down hours ago, it was still stiflingly hot. My blood hadn’t gotten used to the change in climate from New York yet.

Yoo-hoo!

I came to a halt, heart rate speeding up at the sound of a woman’s sweet southern drawl. Drat! I’d been spotted.

I glanced around and found the source of the voice. A gray-haired lady stood on the porch of the grand house on my left, waving at me so hard it was a wonder her arm didn’t take flight. Uh. Hi, I said. Please don’t see my green mask, please don’t notice my slippers.

You must be Eliza’s niece. Which means you’re out looking for him. She pointed at the yard in front of her.

Ollie lay on his back, gravity pulling on his big lips so he resembled an upside-down Cheshire cat. Cuddled into his side was a tiny Pekinese, gazing at the Boston terrier like he was the best thing since canned dog food.

He likes to come visit my Su Ling, the woman said. You probably haven’t discovered that yet.

No, I haven’t. I didn’t know a lot about Ollie, but what I did know was that he was a humongous pain in the rear. Ollie!

Turning his head my way, his tongue lolled out to the side. He wagged his tail but otherwise stayed put.

In a hushed voice, she said, as though it were a state secret, I think they have a little crush on each other. She descended the steps slowly, using the handrail, and I realized she also wore slippers. Shaped like elephants, with big ears. Not only that, but she had cream spread over her face too. Not enough to hide the age wrinkles or smile lines around her eyes, but enough to make me feel better about my own beauty mask. I’m Millie Flournoy.

I cracked a smile and hurried up the sidewalk to meet her, with my hand out. Lucy Layton. I apologize for my appearance.

Oh, honey, don’t you worry about that none. We ladies have to use the cover of night to work on our complexions, don’t we? Anyway, I’ve been looking forward to running into you. I know everybody who lives on this, so I knew you had to be you. Your aunt used to talk about you all the time. She was proud of your big New York life but wished you’d visit more. Behind stylish bifocal frames, Millie’s eyes were both sharp and kind. Eliza was a flat-out hoot, and I miss her something awful.

Yeah, she was one of a kind. I miss her too.

She and I were from a different time. Only a couple years apart in school. She pulled a leash out of her robe and handed it to me. You can use that to get your pup home. I’m glad he came to visit Su Ling tonight, though. She gets lonely just like I do, and it’s been wonderful meeting you. Her tone made it sound true, which was nice. Besides my best friend, Chelle, there hadn’t been too many people all that interested in hanging out with me. Or that I’d been interested in hanging out with, to be fair. And what Millie said about being lonely struck closer to home than I was comfortable with. Poor thing, alone in this big old house, with only a tiny dog for company…

I accepted the leash. No worries. And thanks. I should have grabbed a leash when I left the house. I bent to clip the leash to Ollie’s collar, then tugged him to his feet. He let out a soft growl, obviously not finished socializing with his friend yet, but I ignored him and straightened. Sorry he was over here bothering you. I need to hire a fence company to come put in something he can’t dig his way out of, I suppose. He’s quite the escape artist. I hesitated, then threw caution to the wind. Do you know anyone who may want to adopt him?

Her eyes flew wider. You don’t want to keep him, honey?

I’m not really a dog person. And I don’t know how long I’m going to stay in Shongoloo.

That was true, but I wasn’t sure where else I would go. I’d briefly gone back to my life in New York after my aunt’s death, only to find no one there seemed to miss me or cared that much that I’d returned. The big city was a cold place, with regards to both climate and human connection. It seemed like I’d changed enough during my trip back to Shongoloo that when I returned, I didn’t fit in there anymore.

But I didn’t fit in here either. No one in Shongoloo wore Jimmy Choos or carried Gucci bags. I had my friend Chelle—she’d been my best friend since we were kids, and reconnecting with her was great. But other than that, I was like an oddity to everyone here. Of course, I found them all odd as well.

But this lady wore animal slippers and night masks, just like me. She was decades older, but perhaps we could be friends.

Millie frowned. I hope you decide to stay. I hate to think who may buy Eliza’s place and what might happen to it. Besides, this is your home. You belong with us. She gave a sharp nod, as though punctuating the thought.

Thanks. My chest warmed at the words, which was slightly embarrassing. Well, I’d better get out of your hair. It’s late. Come on, Ollie.

To my surprise, he trotted alongside me, though Su Ling gave a pitiful whine. At the end of the walkway, I turned to wave at Millie.

Let’s have lunch soon, honey, she called. Or come by for tea any old time. I’m always here.

Will do, I said, actually meaning it.

As we trudged home, I realized I was looking forward to spending time with Millie. Huh. I hadn’t expected to make a friend while hunting the neighborhood for my fool-headed dog.

When I glanced at him, he almost looked smug. Like he’d planned the whole thing.

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That night I dreamed I was dancing with a handsome man wearing a tuxedo. The place had a 1920’s vibe, but it was some elegant new club in New York. The music played in the background, and I nestled back down under the covers, looking forward to trying some of the lovely hors d'oeuvres a waiter held on a silver tray.

A low growl which morphed into a yip then a full-fledged bark yanked me from my slumber. Ugh. Ollie. Determined not to let him destroy my party, I flung the blanket over my head and did my best to fall back asleep.

Grrr. Then a pair of persistent paws clawed at the bedskirt in rapid succession.

Stop it! I uncovered my head and glared at the four-legged beast. What do you want?

Sadly, I knew what he wanted. The little demon needed to go outside. After his late night foray to visit his girlfriend, I closed and locked up every possible exit as tight as possible. But now he needed to go to the bathroom, and if I continued ignoring him, I would be the one who was sorry.

Grumbling under my breath, I dragged myself out of bed and found a robe to cover myself. The instant Ollie saw me moving in his direction he began to jump up on his hind legs and dance around.

I’m glad you’re so excited about it. My sarcasm was wasted on him. I let him outside, where I supervised him doing his business. When I came back inside, I started a pot of coffee. I was going to need some fortification before I headed over to the Dip & Clip, where pet hair and dander floated in the air like mist over a river.

While I showered, I considered my dream. I missed the city. The glitz and glamor. Dressing up without anyone giving me a weird look for it.

I considered staying in the shower longer. Drowning my sorrows in the rushing water. But it was no use dwelling. Might as well get the show on the road. I had a lot to learn about the dog grooming business.

When I stepped out of the shower onto a fluffy blue rug and reached for my towel, my hand swiped empty air. I wiped the water out of my eyes with a fist, then spotted Ollie near the door. He sat on my towel, looking completely relaxed while he chewed on its corner.

Ollie, you naughty boy. Give me that. I dove, but he danced away, dragging the towel with him. You little…come back here.

His eyes danced, and his whole rear end wiggled with glee.

Are you laughing at me? You know what—clearly, you take me and my happiness for granted, so how about this? I can’t be bothered to feed you today. So, there.

Ollie grinned and gave a short yip, still clearly in great spirits and totally unbothered by my threat.

Still mumbling about ungrateful behavior, I grabbed another towel from the cupboard and finished getting ready. Grudgingly, I dumped the dog’s half cup of breakfast kibble into his bowl with a stern warning that I’d follow through with the promised punishment next time he stole my stuff.

After he’d scarfed down the food and I’d poured my first cup coffee and eaten some avocado toast, we walked across the way to the Dip & Clip. Before we went inside, I stopped to straighten the For Sale sign in the yard, like leaving it slightly crooked could somehow deter the perfect buyer.

Yeah, right.

The grooming salon was already busy, and Darla buzzed around like a queen bee, smiling at customers, cooing at dogs, and frowning at me whenever I got in her path. I retreated to a corner to stay out of the way while attempting to learn the ropes. Occasionally, Darla thrust a leash or carrier at me with instructions about which cage to deposit the animal into in the back room. I couldn’t help but feel more like hired help than the salon’s owner.

Around midmorning, Millie and Su Ling came through the front door. Millie’s hair was done up in a tidy bun, and she wore a shin-length skirt with white tennis shoes and a flowery blouse. Good morning, Lucy, she said with a slightly lopsided smile, as though she were forcing the ends of her mouth up against the pull of gravity.

Good morning. Sorry again about Ollie’s intrusion on your time last night.

She waved that away. Nothing to worry about. Su Ling loves his visits. Her smile fell, and she twisted her fingers together. I hope she feels better after Darla sees to her this morning.

What do you mean? Is something wrong with Su Ling?

Oh, it’s that horrible Dr. Schuster. Clause Schuster. He’s the owner over at the Shongoloo Animal Hospital. He was just terrible to Su Ling this morning. Millie’s eyes were suddenly watery.

I led her to the corner of the lobby where we kept a few chairs and a coffee table, got her seated, then said, What happened?

Well, Su Ling’s been having some conniptions lately. Oh, that isn’t what they’re called. What is it…

Seizures? I supplied.

Yes, honey, that’s it. She patted my hand with her soft, wrinkly one. "Seizures. They’re just horrifying. She falls right over and paddles her little feet. She doesn’t know where she is. When it’s over, she’s wobbly for ten or fifteen minutes. Anyway, Dr. Fernandez—she goes by Dr. Sarah—she put Su Ling on some expensive new medication. Oh, I can’t even pronounce it, honey. It’s working, mostly. But the poor dear still has a seizure now and then, and she had one this morning, early. Dr. Sarah usually gives her some medicine in a dropper, right into her nose, when a seizure lasts for more than five minutes. This morning, I rushed Su Ling to the clinic, and Dr. Sarah took